EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE ON ACID ACTIVATED CLAY FROM ASENI CLAY REGION IN KOGI STATE

ABSTRACT

Natural clay minerals are plentiful and useful, and because of their distinct physical and chemical characteristics, they have a wide range of applications in many different sectors. Since it increases their adsorption capacity and catalytic capabilities, acid activation of clay minerals like bentonite has received extensive research. With a specific focus on its possible applications in various temperature-dependent processes, this study examined the effect of temperature on the acid activation of clay derived from ASENI region, Kogi state. Natural clay samples from ASENI region in Kogi state were collected for the investigation, and they were then subjected to acid activation treatments at two different temperatures (200°C and 400°C). After activation, the clay underwent structural changes that were examined using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), and Brunauer-Emmet-Teller(BET) analysis. Additionally, specific surface area measurements and cation exchange capacity (CEC) assessments were conducted to quantify the extent of activation. The findings showed that temperature had a major impact on the acid activation process